Patents by Inventor Nao Yokota

Nao Yokota has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9637605
    Abstract: A biaxially oriented laminate film including a core layer including a blend of crystalline polylactic acid polymer and a metal salt phosphorus-containing compound nucleating agent which is biaxially oriented at low transverse direction orientation temperatures to impart a degree of cavitation around the metal salt phosphorus-containing metal such that a white opaque cavitated appearance and a lower film density and improved mechanical properties are obtained. The laminate film could further have additional layers such as a heat sealable layer disposed on one side of said core layer including an amorphous polylactic acid resin and/or a polylactic acid resin-containing layer disposed on the side of the core layer opposite the heat sealable layer, a metal layer, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC.
    Inventors: Nao Yokota, Mark S. Lee, Claudio M. Paulino
  • Patent number: 9492962
    Abstract: Described are metallized biaxially oriented polylactic acid (BOPLA) films with a novel formulation that exhibits a softer feel and quieter sound, without jeopardizing film making stability. It has been found that when these films are metallized, moisture barrier properties are surprisingly improved compared to conventional metallized BOPLA films. Specifically, the moisture barrier of the films may be 2.0 g/m2/day or less at 38° C. and 90% relative humidity. The films can be used, for example, in packaging applications. The films have characteristics that are beneficial to converting processes, are economical, and maintain bio-compostability similar to typical BOPLA films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC.
    Inventors: Shichen Dou, Mark S. Lee, Claudio M. Paulino, Nao Yokota, Keunsuk P. Chang
  • Patent number: 9238324
    Abstract: Described are biaxially oriented polylactic acid (BOPLA) films with a novel formulation that exhibits a softer feel and quieter sound, without jeopardizing film making stability. The films can be used, for example, in packaging applications. The films can be metallized, or combined with barrier coatings or layers, for improved gas barrier properties particularly for moisture vapor transmission barrier desired in packaging applications. The films can also be printing films for packaging applications and may be transparent or matte in appearance. The films have characteristics that are beneficial to converting processes, are economical, and maintain bio-compostability similar to typical BOPLA films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: TORAY PLASTICS (AMERCIA), INC.
    Inventors: Shichen Dou, Mark S. Lee, Claudio M. Paulino, Nao Yokota, Keunsuk P. Chang
  • Patent number: 9186593
    Abstract: Described are stretchable and formable lighter than air balloons including a high barrier lamination. The stretchable and formable balloons stretch when overinflated instead of failing. The balloons are formed from a lamination including a polyester film with a total thickness of 4 ?m to 12 ?m including a biaxially oriented polyester core layer and at least one amorphous copolyester skin layer. The polyester film has an Elongation % in the transverse direction (TD) or machine direction (MD) of greater than 125%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignees: Toray Plastics (America), Inc., Anagram International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gianfranco Chicarella, Nao Yokota, Tracy A. Paolilli, John J. Fitch, Todd Richard Sarnstrom, Dean Borchardt, Paul Andrew Ansolabehere, Steven Sargeant, Larissa M. Boutin, Robert T. Ervolino, Douglas J. Bower, Delaware Hood
  • Patent number: 8658285
    Abstract: Biaxially oriented polyester films including polyester polymer, a carbodiimide hydrolysis stabilizer, and a UV absorber are described. The polyester films have a carboxyl end group concentration of 5-20 equivalents per ton, and a haze value of 2% or less. The films exhibit superior transparency and possess stable light transmission characteristics. Methods of making the films and articles produced from the films are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Toray Plastics (America), Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos Hinton, Nao Yokota, Hirokazu Tajima, Roberto Siu
  • Patent number: 8652626
    Abstract: Metallized multi-layer biaxially oriented polylactic acid base polymer (BOPLA) films that exhibits improved barrier properties and metal adhesion. The films include a core layer including crystalline polylactic acid base polymer, a first skin layer consisting essentially of amorphous polylactic acid base polymer, and a metal layer on the first skin layer. The films may include a second skin layer consisting essentially of amorphous polylactic acid base polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignees: Toray Plastics (America), Inc., Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Lee, Claudio M. Paulino, Takeshi Mizumura, Keunsuk P. Chang, Nao Yokota, Jun'ichi Masuda
  • Publication number: 20140017489
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multilayer film having, as its main component, a hydroxy acid polymer with improved gas barrier and optional heat sealability. The oriented film of predominately hydroxy acid polymer having controlled shrink can be produced by melting and coextruding a hydroxy acid polymer with a much thinner layer of an amorphous aromatic copolyester to form a multilayer film that is quench cooled, then biaxially stretched at a process temperature above the glass transition and below the cold crystallization temperature of the hydroxy acid polymer. A heat-setting treatment with a controlled relaxation of the film above the hydroxy acid polymer glass transition temperature and below its melt temperature may be used to control shrinkage. The films thus obtained are vacuum metallized on the aromatic copolyester surface to produce environmentally friendly packaging from predominately renewable resources having improved gas barrier properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA) INC.
    Inventors: Mark Lee, Keunsuk P. Chang, Nao Yokota
  • Publication number: 20130295218
    Abstract: Described are methods for producing biaxially oriented thermoplastic crystallizable films, such as polyester terephthalate (PET) films, that are easy to handle, have at least one surface that can produce high quality finishes in In-Mold Decoration processes (IMD), and have anti-static properties. The static dissipation properties of the film facilitate the manufacture of IMD parts by reducing buildup of debris in the mold and reducing the risk of fire during processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC.
    Inventors: Carlos E. HINTON, Nao Yokota, Jan Moritz
  • Patent number: 8574695
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multilayer film having, as its main component, a hydroxy acid polymer with improved gas barrier and optional heat sealability. The oriented film of predominately hydroxy acid polymer having controlled shrink can be produced by melting and coextruding a hydroxy acid polymer with a much thinner layer of an amorphous aromatic copolyester to form a multilayer film that is quench cooled, then biaxially stretched at a process temperature above the glass transition and below the cold crystallization temperature of the hydroxy acid polymer. A heat-setting treatment with a controlled relaxation of the film above the hydroxy acid polymer glass transition temperature and below its melt temperature may be used to control shrinkage. The films thus obtained are vacuum metallized on the aromatic copolyester surface to produce environmentally friendly packaging from predominately renewable resources having improved gas barrier properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Toray Plastics (America), Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Lee, Nao Yokota, Keunsuk P. Chang
  • Publication number: 20130122280
    Abstract: A biaxially oriented laminate film including a core layer including a blend of crystalline polylactic acid polymer and a metal salt phosphorus-containing compound nucleating agent which is biaxially oriented at low transverse direction orientation temperatures to impart a degree of cavitation around the metal salt phosphorus-containing metal such that a white opaque cavitated appearance and a lower film density and improved mechanical properties are obtained. The laminate film could further have additional layers such as a heat sealable layer disposed on one side of said core layer including an amorphous polylactic acid resin and/or a polylactic acid resin-containing layer disposed on the side of the core layer opposite the heat sealable layer, a metal layer, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Nao YOKOTA, Mark S. LEE, Claudio M. PAULINO
  • Patent number: 8399080
    Abstract: A long life balloon formed from a lamination. The lamination includes a polyester film with a total thickness of 4 ?m to 12 ?m. The polyester film includes a biaxially oriented polyester core layer and at least one amorphous copolyester skin layer. The lamination also includes a sealant layer and a gas barrier layer on an opposite side of the polyester film from the sealant layer. The oxygen transmission rate of the balloon is less than 0.1 cc/100 sqin/day, a bonding strength of the gas barrier layer to the surface of the polyester film is more than 300 g/in at dry conditions, a sealing strength of the balloon is more than 3.5 kg/in, and a floating time of the balloon is more than 20 days.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignees: Toray Plastics (America), Inc., Anagram International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gianfranco Chicarella, Nao Yokota, Tracy A. Paolilli, John J. Fitch, Todd R. Sarnstrom, Dean Borchardt, Paul A. Ansolabehere, Steven Sargeant
  • Patent number: 8323759
    Abstract: A long life balloon formed from a lamination. The lamination includes a polyester film with a total thickness of 4 ?m to 12 ?m. The polyester film includes a biaxially oriented polyester core layer and at least one amorphous copolyester skin layer. The lamination also includes a sealant layer and a gas barrier layer on an opposite side of the polyester film from the sealant layer. The oxygen transmission rate of the balloon is less than 0.1 cc/100 sqin/day, a bonding strength of the gas barrier layer to the surface of the polyester film is more than 300 g/in at dry conditions, a sealing strength of the balloon is more than 3.5 kg/in, and a floating time of the balloon is more than 20 days.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Toray Plastics (America), Inc.
    Inventors: Gianfranco Chicarella, Nao Yokota, Tracy A. Paolilli, John J. Fitch, Todd Richard Sarnstrom, Dean Borchardt, Paul Andrew Ansolabehere, Steven Sargeant
  • Patent number: 8236399
    Abstract: A long life balloon formed from a lamination. The lamination includes a polyester film with a total thickness of 4 ?m to 12 ?m. The polyester film includes a biaxially oriented polyester core layer and at least one amorphous copolyester skin layer. The lamination also includes a sealant layer and a gas barrier layer on an opposite side of the polyester film from the sealant layer. The oxygen transmission rate of the balloon is less than 0.1 cc/100 sqin/day, a bonding strength of the gas barrier layer to the surface of the polyester film is more than 300 g/in at dry conditions, a sealing strength of the balloon is more than 3.5 kg/in, and a floating time of the balloon is more than 20 days.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignees: Toray Plastics (America), Inc., Anagram International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gianfranco Chicarella, Nao Yokota, Tracy A. Paolilli, John J. Fitch, Todd Richard Sarnstrom, Dean Borchardt, Paul Andrew Ansolabehere, Steven Sargeant
  • Publication number: 20120141766
    Abstract: Disclosed are biaxially oriented laminate films including a core layer including a blend of crystalline polylactic acid polymer and crystalline polystyrene. The films are biaxially oriented at low transverse direction orientation temperatures to impart a degree of cavitation around the crystalline polystyrene such that a white opaque cavitated appearance and lower film densities are obtained. The laminate films may further have additional layers such as a heat sealable layer disposed on one side of the core layer including an amorphous polylactic acid resin and/or a polylactic acid resin-containing layer disposed on the side of the core layer opposite the heat sealable layer, a metal layer, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC.
    Inventors: Claudio M. Paulino, Nao Yokota
  • Publication number: 20120094042
    Abstract: A monoaxially oriented films and methods of making films including a heat sealable layer including propylene homo-polymer or copolymer and 3-15 wt % of at least one elastomer. The oriented films have a refractive index that satisfies the condition 5?delta n=|n (MD)?n (TD)|×1000?25, in which n (MD) is a refractive index of the film in a machine direction, and n (TD) is a refractive index of the film in a transverse direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. LEE, Harold Egon KOEHN, Nao YOKOTA, Emilio COLETTA, Matthew H. BROWN
  • Publication number: 20110305913
    Abstract: Biaxially oriented polyester films including polyester polymer, a carbodiimide hydrolysis stabilizer, and a UV absorber are described. The polyester films have a carboxyl end group concentration of 5-20 equivalents per ton, and a haze value of 2% or less. The films exhibit superior transparency and possess stable light transmission characteristics. Methods of making the films and articles produced from the films are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: Toray Plastics (America), Inc. Lumirror Division
    Inventors: Carlos HINTON, Nao Yokota, Hirokazu Tajima, Roberto Siu
  • Publication number: 20110287199
    Abstract: A long life balloon formed from a lamination. The lamination includes a polyester film with a total thickness of 4 ?m to 12 ?m. The polyester film includes a biaxially oriented polyester core layer and at least one amorphous copolyester skin layer. The lamination also includes a sealant layer and a gas barrier layer on an opposite side of the polyester film from the sealant layer. The oxygen transmission rate of the balloon is less than 0.1 cc/100 sqin/day, a bonding strength of the gas barrier layer to the surface of the polyester film is more than 300 g/in at dry conditions, a sealing strength of the balloon is more than 3.5 kg/in, and a floating time of the balloon is more than 20 days.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicants: Anagram International, Inc., TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC.
    Inventors: Gianfranco CHICARELLA, Nao YOKOTA, Tracy A. PAOLILLI, John J. FITCH, Todd R. SARNSTROM, Dean BORCHARDT, Paul A. ANSOLABEHERE, Steven SARGEANT
  • Publication number: 20110287200
    Abstract: A long life balloon formed from a lamination. The lamination includes a polyester film with a total thickness of 4 ?m to 12 ?m. The polyester film includes a biaxially oriented polyester core layer and at least one amorphous copolyester skin layer. The lamination also includes a sealant layer and a gas barrier layer on an opposite side of the polyester film from the sealant layer. The oxygen transmission rate of the balloon is less than 0.1 cc/100 sqin/day, a bonding strength of the gas barrier layer to the surface of the polyester film is more than 300 g/in at dry conditions, a sealing strength of the balloon is more than 3.5 kg/in, and a floating time of the balloon is more than 20 days.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicants: Anagram International, Inc., TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC.
    Inventors: Gianfranco CHICARELLA, Nao YOKOTA, Tracy A. PAOLILLI, John J. FITCH, Todd R. SARNSTROM, Dean BORCHARDT, Paul A. ANSOLABEHERE, Steven SARGEANT
  • Publication number: 20110244185
    Abstract: Described are biaxially oriented polylactic acid (BOPLA) films with a novel formulation that exhibits a softer feel and quieter sound, without jeopardizing film making stability. The films can be used, for example, in packaging applications. The films can be metallized, or combined with barrier coatings or layers, for improved gas barrier properties particularly for moisture vapor transmission barrier desired in packaging applications. The films can also be printing films for packaging applications and may be transparent or matte in appearance. The films have characteristics that are beneficial to converting processes, are economical, and maintain bio-compostability similar to typical BOPLA films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC.
    Inventors: Shichen DOU, Mark S. Lee, Claudio M. Paulino, Nao Yokota, Keunsuk P. Chang
  • Publication number: 20110244186
    Abstract: Described are metallized biaxially oriented polylactic acid (BOPLA) films with a novel formulation that exhibits a softer feel and quieter sound, without jeopardizing film making stability. It has been found that when these films are metallized, moisture barrier properties are surprisingly improved compared to conventional metallized BOPLA films. Specifically, the moisture barrier of the films may be 2.0 g/m2/day or less at 38° C. and 90% relative humidity. The films can be used, for example, in packaging applications. The films have characteristics that are beneficial to converting processes, are economical, and maintain bio-compostability similar to typical BOPLA films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC.
    Inventors: Shichen Dou, Mark S. Lee, Claudio M. Paulino, Nao Yokota, Keunsuk P. Chang